Although I am inundated year round with mail order catalogs hawking just about every conceivable hunting-, fishing-, and military surplus-related product under the sun, those glossy photos of clothing and equipment just don’t compare to the real things.
Don’t get me wrong. I can certainly build a fine wish list by paging through the one hundred plus-page master catalogs and their associated specialty booklets that arrive in my mailbox every six weeks or so. In fact, stacks of catalogs with dog-eared pages can be found throughout my home on nightstands, coffee tables, counter tops, and office desks, but the marked pages and circled items greatly outnumber actual purchases. After all, it’s quite difficult choosing a turkey call when you can’t hear it, a pair of boots when you can’t size them, or a bow when you can’t judge how it feels in your hand.
While I enjoy ‘window shopping’ and making the occasional purchase from catalogs, I would much rather make my hunting and fishing gear purchases in person. Delaware has a handful of reputable outdoors-related stores, and several mega outdoors superstores are within driving distance of all three Delaware counties. I make it a point to support our local supply stores (as you should, too), but I have to admit that I always look forward to paying a visit to the annual Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show.
The Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show is an outdoors enthusiast’s playground, testing ground, fitting room, megastore, networking event, and knowledgebase that makes hunters, fisherman, and campers alike feel like kids in a candy store.
Held at the State Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, this year’s Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show opens Saturday, February 5 and runs through Sunday, February 13. Featuring more than 1,200 vendors, the show is the largest consumer event of its kind in North America, according to the show’s web site. The show, occupying nearly every nook and cranny of the massive Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Expo Center, draws outdoor sportsmen from all over the Mid-Atlantic region.
The sheer size of the show is overwhelming, and it can even be difficult to peruse every booth in every aisle in every building in one day. Seriously, this show is massive. Not only can you view, test, and/or try on hunting and fishing products directly from manufacturers and retailers, you can also visit with outfitters to research and book hunting and fishing trips; shop for boats, RVs, pick-ups, SUVs, motorcycles and ATVs; and observe or participate in outdoor sports-related educational sessions, autograph signings, game calling contests, archery competitions, and family entertainment offerings.
As a testament to how large the Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show actually is, the show’s web site provides a mobile site and iPhone app that enables web-connected attendees to navigate the show floor via interactive maps, locate new products and show specials, view show schedules and set appointments, and find restrooms and food courts.
For show newbies, arrive early (ticket lines form early, and yes, there is an entrance fee) and plan to stay all day. Fee-based on-site parking is available, and shuttle bus service from a local shopping center is typically available. If you intend on loading up with freebies (promotional materials, giveaway items, etc.) and shopping until your heart’s content, I suggest bringing a large backpack or other bag for carrying your gear. Dress in layers, as temperatures seem to vary from hall to hall, and wear comfortable walking shoes.
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Hours:
Saturday, February 5 10:00am – 7:00pm
Sunday, February 6 10:00am – 5:00pm
Monday, February 7 10:00am – 7:00pm
Tuesday, February 8 10:00am – 7:00pm
Wednesday, February 9 10:00am – 7:00pm
Thursday, February 10 10:00am – 7:00pm
Friday, February 11 10:00am – 7:00pm
Saturday, February 12 10:00am – 7:00pm
Sunday, February 13 10:00am – 5:00pm